'''Quetta''' is the capital of [[Balochistan]] province in [[Pakistan]]. If you are taking the [[Istanbul_to_New_Delhi_over_land|overland route from Istanbul to New Delhi]] without going through [[Afghanistan]] you will have to pass through Quetta.

'''Quetta''' is the capital of [[Balochistan]] province in [[Pakistan]]. If you are taking the [[Istanbul_to_New_Delhi_over_land|overland route from Istanbul to New Delhi]] without going through [[Afghanistan]] you will have to pass through Quetta.

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Quetta is an excellent base for exploration of Balochistan. Kan Mehtarzai (224 meters), the highest railway station in Asia, is a two-hour drive away. Loralai, the almond bowl of the country, is 265 km away. Besides, there are numerous other valleys that are fascinating places for explorers.

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Quetta is an excellent base for exploration of Balochistan. Kan Mehtarzai (2224 meters), the highest railway station in Asia, is a two-hour drive away. Loralai, the almond bowl of the country, is 265 km away. Besides, there are numerous other valleys that are fascinating places for explorers.

==Understand==

==Understand==

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The name Quetta is derived from the Pashto word "Kwatta" which means a fort possibly because it is a natural fort surrounded by imposing hills on all sides. Three large craggy mountains &mdash; Chiltan, Zarghun and Koh-e-Murdar &mdash; seem to brood upon this town, and there are other mountains that form a ring around it. Their copper red and russet rocks and crests are powdered with snow in winters add immense charm to the town. Pashto Is An Origin Language of Afghanistan.

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The name Quetta is derived from the Pashto word "Kwatta" which means a fort possibly because it is a natural fort surrounded by imposing hills on all sides. Three large craggy mountains &mdash; Chiltan, Zarghun and Koh-e-Murdar &mdash; seem to brood upon this town, and there are other mountains that form a ring around it. Their copper red and russet rocks and crests are powdered with snow in winters add immense charm to the town.

Strategically, Quetta is an important city due to its proximity to borders with [[Iran]] and [[Afghanistan]]. There is a huge military base just outside the city. Historically, Quetta owes much of its importance to the Bolan Pass which links it to [[Kandahar]], Afghanistan.

Strategically, Quetta is an important city due to its proximity to borders with [[Iran]] and [[Afghanistan]]. There is a huge military base just outside the city. Historically, Quetta owes much of its importance to the Bolan Pass which links it to [[Kandahar]], Afghanistan.

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Excavations in the Quetta valley have proved that humans have lived there since pre-history. Modern day Quetta is a growing centre of excellence.

Excavations in the Quetta valley have proved that humans have lived there since pre-history. Modern day Quetta is a growing centre of excellence.

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The population is approximately 670.000, and it has an area of 2653 sq. km.

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The population of Quetta district is approximately two million, and the city has an area of 2653 sq. km.

===Climate===

===Climate===

Quetta is 1,680 meters (5,500 feet) above sea level and enjoys a healthy climate. The temperature drops a few degrees below the freezing point in winter following a typical autumn when the leaves turn golden and then a wild red.

Quetta is 1,680 meters (5,500 feet) above sea level and enjoys a healthy climate. The temperature drops a few degrees below the freezing point in winter following a typical autumn when the leaves turn golden and then a wild red.

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Quetta is connected to the rest of the country by road, rail and air.

Quetta is connected to the rest of the country by road, rail and air.

===By plane===

===By plane===

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There is an international airport about 15 minutes by taxi from the city center. Flights with PIA will take you to most major cities in [[Pakistan]], such as, [[Karachi]] , [[Lahore]] and [[Islamabad]]. The only international destination of Pakistan International Airlines to and from Quetta is [[Dubai]].

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There is an international airport about 15 minutes by taxi from the city center. Flights with PIA will take you to most major cities in [[Pakistan]], such as, [[Karachi]] , [[Lahore]] and [[Islamabad]]. International destinations are to London and Amsterdam.

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===By train===

===By train===

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There are also trains to [[Rawalpindi]], [[Peshawar]], [[Karachi]], [[Lahore]] and [[Zahedan]] in [[Iran]] (now it is not suspended). Buses ply the same routes.

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There are daily train connections with most major cities in Pakistan. The overnight sleeper ''Bolan Mail'' departs [[Karachi]] daily at 5PM, arriving after noon the next day. Another sleeer train, ''Quetta Express'' starts in [[Peshawar]] (33 h) daily at 8AM and make stop-overs in [[Rawalpindi]] (29 h) and [[Lahore]] (24 h) on it's way, arrivial time in Quetta is around 5PM the next day. Comming from [[Afghanistan]], there is a train departing the border town of [[Chaman]] every day at 2PM, arriving later that evening just before 6:30PM .

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One international connection is avalible, with [[Zahedan]] in [[Iran]]. The train departs Zahedan the 3rd and 17th of every month at 8AM, supposedly arriving the next day at 3:15PM. Be aware however that delays are the norm, the actual arrivial time is usually between 3-6 hours after schedule. On some occations this train might be cancelled and replaced by a bus.

===By road===

===By road===

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Wagon service operates from city bus station at Circular Road. The transport can be hired through the PTDC Tourist Information Centre, Muslim Hotel, Jinnah Road Quetta.

Wagon service operates from city bus station at Circular Road. The transport can be hired through the PTDC Tourist Information Centre, Muslim Hotel, Jinnah Road Quetta.

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there is also aplace for tourists to enjoy the mountian side there is a dam which in rainfall and snow season it is filled by rain water and its extremely beautiful scenery.

===Hazarganji Chiltan National Park===

===Hazarganji Chiltan National Park===

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Very few places can compete with Quetta valley in having wide range of tasteful fruits, exported to all parts of the country as well as abroad. There you can find plums, peaches, pomegranates, apricots, apples, olives, different types of melon, water-melon, cherries, pistachios, almonds and other dry fruits. Saffron and tulip are also grown and cultivated on a commercial scale. The fruits heaven is Urak, called '''SAMARISTAN''' meaning the land of fruits in Persian.

Very few places can compete with Quetta valley in having wide range of tasteful fruits, exported to all parts of the country as well as abroad. There you can find plums, peaches, pomegranates, apricots, apples, olives, different types of melon, water-melon, cherries, pistachios, almonds and other dry fruits. Saffron and tulip are also grown and cultivated on a commercial scale. The fruits heaven is Urak, called '''SAMARISTAN''' meaning the land of fruits in Persian.

*<sleep name="Bloom Star Hotel" alt="" address="8 Stewart Rd" directions="in a side street of Jinnah Rd near train station" phone="" url="" checkin="" checkout="12:00" price="camping Rs300, Single with bathroom Rs600" lat="" long="">Clean Hotel with two gardens where you can pitch a tent. Also has a parking lot.</sleep>

* '''TV Station''': All regional languages are represented here including Pashto, Brahui, Baluchi, Punjabi, Persian, drama and current/youth affairs are the main trends.

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* '''Radio''' Pakistan/FM 100:State run

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FM 105: A new private radio channel which in a short time have captured the young audience of Quetta valley due to its modern and open approach to songs and current affairs.

==Stay safe==

==Stay safe==

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Quetta is firmly planted on the overland to/from Iran route and sees its fair share of travelers, and most don't run into problems. Balochistan gained some media attention as a hideout and winter home for the Taliban and Al Qaeda, and some high-profile wanted men have been captured here. While this may invoke fear in some, you're unlikely to be bothered here, as they're more in hiding and trying to blend in than out starting trouble.

Quetta is firmly planted on the overland to/from Iran route and sees its fair share of travelers, and most don't run into problems. Balochistan gained some media attention as a hideout and winter home for the Taliban and Al Qaeda, and some high-profile wanted men have been captured here. While this may invoke fear in some, you're unlikely to be bothered here, as they're more in hiding and trying to blend in than out starting trouble.

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Currently the general level of safety for foreigners deteriorated as the Head of the UNHCR office in Quetta was kidnapped and taken to Afghanistan. If you are on a offical mission or high-profile business some caution should be excersised.

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Currently the general level of safety for foreigners deteriorated as the Head of the UNHCR office in Quetta was kidnapped and taken to Afghanistan. If you are on a official mission or high-profile business some caution should be excersised.

All in all the people of Quetta are friendly but don't question their religion, culture and tradition. The Pashtuns pride themselves on their tradition of hospitality (milmastia in Pashto) to guests. Just a greeting of Salaam Alaykum will get you far in endearing yourself to people.

All in all the people of Quetta are friendly but don't question their religion, culture and tradition. The Pashtuns pride themselves on their tradition of hospitality (milmastia in Pashto) to guests. Just a greeting of Salaam Alaykum will get you far in endearing yourself to people.

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==Cope==

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FM100 Pakistan is the state-run radio channel with local news and other information. FM105 is a ew private radio channel which in a short time have captured the young audience of Quetta valley due to its modern and open approach to songs and current affairs.

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All regional languages are represented at local TV-stations including Pashto, Brahui, Baluchi, Punjabi, Persian, drama and current/youth affairs are the main trends.

Quetta is an excellent base for exploration of Balochistan. Kan Mehtarzai (2224 meters), the highest railway station in Asia, is a two-hour drive away. Loralai, the almond bowl of the country, is 265 km away. Besides, there are numerous other valleys that are fascinating places for explorers.

Understand

The name Quetta is derived from the Pashto word "Kwatta" which means a fort possibly because it is a natural fort surrounded by imposing hills on all sides. Three large craggy mountains — Chiltan, Zarghun and Koh-e-Murdar — seem to brood upon this town, and there are other mountains that form a ring around it. Their copper red and russet rocks and crests are powdered with snow in winters add immense charm to the town.

Strategically, Quetta is an important city due to its proximity to borders with Iran and Afghanistan. There is a huge military base just outside the city. Historically, Quetta owes much of its importance to the Bolan Pass which links it to Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Excavations in the Quetta valley have proved that humans have lived there since pre-history. Modern day Quetta is a growing centre of excellence.

The population of Quetta district is approximately two million, and the city has an area of 2653 sq. km.

Climate

Quetta is 1,680 meters (5,500 feet) above sea level and enjoys a healthy climate. The temperature drops a few degrees below the freezing point in winter following a typical autumn when the leaves turn golden and then a wild red.

Quetta can rightly be called the fruit basket of Pakistan. Plums, peaches, pomegranates, apricots, apples, guavas (locally called zaitoon), some unique varieties of melon like "Garma" and "Sarda" and cherries, pistachios and almonds are all grown in abundance. Some pistachios also grow in Qila Saif Ullah. Saffron grows very well and
is being cultivated on a commercial scale. Tulips are an indigenous flower of Pakistan. The yellow and red varieties of tulip grow wild around Quetta.

People and Culture

The inhabitants of Quetta are mainly Pashtuns. The tribes include Kakar, Ghilzai Tareen, Mandokhel, Sherani, Looni, Kasi and Achakzai. Since Quetta is the capital of Baluchistan one might think the Balochs would be in the majority, but the Pashtuns are actually the largest group and the Pashto language is widely spoken. Besides Pashtuns and Balochis you can also find Punjabis, Hazaras, Uzbeks, Tajiks and Turkomen rubbing shoulders with the other inhabitants. They are known to be hospitable to visitors because hospitality is an important element of their cultures.
Nomadic tribesmen, mainly Balouchi, pass through Quetta Valley during spring and autumn with their herds of sheep and camels and their assorted wares for sale. This seasonal movement adds color to the life of the city.
The Pashtuns pride themselves on their tradition of hospitality to guests (milmastia in Pashto). Just a greeting of Salaam Alaykum will get you far in endearing yourself to people.
The rugged terrain has made the people of the area hardy and resilient. They are known for their friendliness and hospitality. To make a visitor comfortable is part of their tradition.
The people inhabiting this land are proud, robust and fiercely independent. They harbor no domination and the British who came here in the late nineteenth century learned to respect and honor their ways.

Get in

Quetta is connected to the rest of the country by road, rail and air.

By plane

There is an international airport about 15 minutes by taxi from the city center. Flights with PIA will take you to most major cities in Pakistan, such as, Karachi , Lahore and Islamabad. International destinations are to London and Amsterdam.

By train

There are daily train connections with most major cities in Pakistan. The overnight sleeper Bolan Mail departs Karachi daily at 5PM, arriving after noon the next day. Another sleeer train, Quetta Express starts in Peshawar (33 h) daily at 8AM and make stop-overs in Rawalpindi (29 h) and Lahore (24 h) on it's way, arrivial time in Quetta is around 5PM the next day. Comming from Afghanistan, there is a train departing the border town of Chaman every day at 2PM, arriving later that evening just before 6:30PM .

One international connection is avalible, with Zahedan in Iran. The train departs Zahedan the 3rd and 17th of every month at 8AM, supposedly arriving the next day at 3:15PM. Be aware however that delays are the norm, the actual arrivial time is usually between 3-6 hours after schedule. On some occations this train might be cancelled and replaced by a bus.

By road

The highway connects eastward to Karachi and westward via Koh-e-Taftan to Tehran, Iran, 1435 km away. The road to Sibi connects it with Punjab and upper Sindh. The road via Loralai - Fort Monro -D.G. Khan and Multan is a shorter route for Punjab. The Chaman Road is a link between the country and the Afghan border.

Get around

Walking

The city center is small enough that a traveler can reach most places by foot. It is a place of ancient monuments, wide tree-lined boulevards and sterling British architecture. Even more compelling, Quetta has a dramatic setting, with a mountainous backdrop on all sides. Most sights can be easily seen in a day: the impressive Archaeological Museum of Baluchistan, the fort or the city’s many colorful bazaars—great places to pick marble, onyx, and some of the finest carpets in Pakistan.

The main thoroughfare and the commercial centre of Quetta is Jinnah Road, where the Tourist Information Centre of Pakistan's Tourism Development Corporation is located as well as the banks, restaurants and handicraft shops. Shahrah-e-Zarghun, a tree-lined boulevard, runs parallel to Jinnah Road, here many important buildings like the Governor's House, Post and Telecommunication Offices are located.

By auto-rickshaw

Auto-rickshaws give Quetta polluted air, and are the most popular and the cheapest way to get around the city but they are rapidly being replaced by more environmentally friendly 4-stroke CNG rickshaws.

From the airport - When you arrive at the airport you will likely be besieged with touts offering you taxis and rooms. It's wise not to book anything through them and arrange a taxi yourself to the hotel of your choice. Some of the mid-range and most top-end hotels offer a courtesy shuttle from the airport.

See

Hanna Lake in winter

Hanna Lake

If you want to enjoy an excursion near the city, you can visit to Hanna Lake. It is in the hills overlooking Quetta, approximately 10 km from the city and very close to the Urak, where benches and pavilions on terraces have been provided. Golden fish in the lake come swimming right up to the edge. A little distance away, the waters of the lake take on a greenish blue tint. Right where the water ends, pine trees have been planted on the grass filled slopes. The turquoise water of lake is a stark contrast to the brownish-green hills that surround the area.

Wagon service operates from city bus station at Circular Road. The transport can be hired through the PTDC Tourist Information Centre, Muslim Hotel, Jinnah Road Quetta.

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there is also aplace for tourists to enjoy the mountian side there is a dam which in rainfall and snow season it is filled by rain water and its extremely beautiful scenery.

Hazarganji Chiltan National Park

Hazarganji literally means "Of a thousand treasures". In the folds of these mountains, legend has it, that, there are over a thousand treasures buried, reminders of the passage of great armies down the corridors of history. The Bactrian, Scythians, Mongols and then the great migrating hordes of Pashtuns, all passed this way.

In the Hazarganji Chiltan National Park, 20 km southwest of Quetta, Markhors have been given protection. The park is spread over 32, 5000 acres, altitude ranging from 2000 to 3200 meters.

Nature lovers, students, scientists and researchers are welcome to visit the park at any time of the year. For overnight stay, accommodation is available at the Forest Department Rest House located five kilometers inside the Park.

Park Rangers help the visitors to see animals. Access trails have been developed in the park for visitors. A small museum of natural history is located near the Park entrance.

Pir Ghaib

It is a waterfall and picnic point located 70kms from the City Center on Sibi road

Kharkhassa

Located 10kms west of Quetta

Museums

The Archaeological Museum, Fifa Road. Open 9AM-3PM daily.

Has a collection of rare antique guns, swords and manuscripts. It has a display of Stone Age tools, prehistoric pottery and articles found from Mehrgarh. There are also coins, manuscripts and photos of Quetta before 1935 earthquake.

The Geological Museum, Sariab Road (near Balochistan University). Has a collection of rocks and fossils found in Balochistan. The Command and Staff College Museum is worth a visit for those interested in British military history. It is housed in the former bungalow of Field Marshal Montgomery.

Amusement and Recreation

The Askari Park at the Airport Road and Liaquat Park on Shahrah-e-Iqbal offer amusement and recreational facilities. Balochistan Arts Council Library is located on Jinnah Road. The Chiltan Hill viewpoint on Brewery Road offers a panoramic view of Quetta.
Karkhasa is a recreation Park situated at distance of 10 km to the west of Quetta. It is a 16 km long narrow valley having a variety of flora like Ephedra, Artemisia and Sophora. One can see birds like partridges and other wild birds in the park. Limited recreational facilities are provided to the visitors through the Forest Department, Spinney Road, Quetta.

Do

Festivals

There are religious and social festivals celebrated by the people of Quetta. Two major religious festivals are Eid-ul-Azha and Eid-ul-Fiter. On these festivals people adorn their houses, wear new dresses, cook special dishes and visit each other. Eid-Meladun-Nabi is another religious festival. It is a celebration of the Holy Prophet’s P.B.U.H birthday. Numerous colorful social festivals are also source of jubilation. Sibi festival that traces its roots to Mehergarh, an archeological site of ancient human civilization, attracts people from across the country. It is attended by common folks, ministers and other government officials. Folk music performance, cultural dances, handicrafts stalls, cattle shows and a number of other amusing activities present a perfect riot of color. Buzkashi is a peculiar festival showing valor of Pashtun people. It is celebrated on horse-back by two teams that use their skills to snatch a goat from each other.

Buy

The main bazaar is on Jinnah Road. Prominent bazaars of Quetta are located on Shahrah-e-Iqbal (Kandahari Bazaar) and Shahrah-e-Liaqat (Liaqat Bazaar and Suraj Gang Bazaar). Here you can find colorful handicrafts, particularly Balochi mirror work and Pashtun embroidery which is admired all over the world. The Pashtun workers are prominently expert in making fine Afghani carpets, with their pleasing and intricate designs, fur coats, jackets, waist-coats, sandals and other creations of traditional Pashtun skills.

Balochi carpets are made by the nomadic tribes of this area. They are generally not nearly as fine or expensive as the Persian city products, or even the Turkoman tribal rugs from further North, but they are generally better than Afghan carpets and more authentic than the bad copies of Turkoman and Persian designs that the cites of Pakistan produce. They definitely have a charm of their own. They range from relatively crude rugs that can, with some bargaining, be had at very reasonable prices to quite fine and valuable pieces. Many are small enough to be fairly portable.

Eat

Sajji

In the old bazaars one comes across quaint old tea-shops. These are the local "clubs". There are also many popular eating houses offering different types of delicacies. Among the delicacies you must try is Sajji (leg of lamb), which is roasted to a delightful degree of tenderness and is not very spicy. It is a whole leg of lamb deliciously marinated in local herbs and spices and barbecued beside an open fire. It is very popular among the locals and is offered with great insistence to the guests. The Pathan tribesmen of the valley also enjoy Landhi (whole lamb) and Khadi Kebab. “Landhi” is a whole lamb which is dried in shade and kept for the winters. "Kebab" shops are very popular, the best being Lal Kebab, Tabaq, Cafe Farah and Cafe Baldia. They serve Pakistani and Continental food. The Chinese restaurant that is one of the oldest in town is CAFE CHINA. Some of the finest mutton in the country is raised around Quetta. It has a delicious smell which can be sampled in the Pulao that most of the eating houses offer.

There is famous Lehri Sajji house and Mir Afzal Karahi at Jinnah Road. The most famous is the Khadi kebab which is just behind the street at Liaquat Bazaar

The Pashtun people are also very famous for their refreshing green tea and Dood Pati shops

Very few places can compete with Quetta valley in having wide range of tasteful fruits, exported to all parts of the country as well as abroad. There you can find plums, peaches, pomegranates, apricots, apples, olives, different types of melon, water-melon, cherries, pistachios, almonds and other dry fruits. Saffron and tulip are also grown and cultivated on a commercial scale. The fruits heaven is Urak, called SAMARISTAN meaning the land of fruits in Persian.

Drink

Being an Islamic country, Alcohol is banned but is available for non Muslims. None of the hotels have bars, though at some alcohol can be ordered as room service.

There is a liquor store on the main street though it's difficult to find (it's best to ask your hotel, which should be able to provide directions).

Quetta is well-known for its Kawa (Green Tea) and Shere Chai also known as Dood Pati Chai. Kawa has a unique flavor, and is usually served sweet, lemon and ginger powder are optional tastmakers.

Sharbat-e-Sandal is a sweet, non-carbonated drink unusually found in markets in summer. It has a good taste and a yellowish-green transparent colour - look out for the black seeds. Served ice cold.

Sleep

Budget

Shees Hotel, M.A. Jinnah Road, Tel. 823141, 823015. Centrally located. The rooms are a good value, and the manager will help you with everything and anything.

Bloom Star Hotel, 8 Stewart Rd (in a side street of Jinnah Rd near train station). checkout: 12:00. Clean Hotel with two gardens where you can pitch a tent. Also has a parking lot.camping Rs300, Single with bathroom Rs600.

Mid-range

Hotel Four Season, (On Abdul sattar Rd), ☎+92-81-2827496.

Splurge

Quetta Serena Hotel, (In the .Cantonment area, at crossing of Zarghoon Rd and Hali Rd.), ☎+92-812820073 (fax: +92-81-2820070), [1]. One of the best hotels around, centrally located and offers lots of service.Prices starts at $295 per night.

Stay safe

Quetta is firmly planted on the overland to/from Iran route and sees its fair share of travelers, and most don't run into problems. Balochistan gained some media attention as a hideout and winter home for the Taliban and Al Qaeda, and some high-profile wanted men have been captured here. While this may invoke fear in some, you're unlikely to be bothered here, as they're more in hiding and trying to blend in than out starting trouble.

Currently the general level of safety for foreigners deteriorated as the Head of the UNHCR office in Quetta was kidnapped and taken to Afghanistan. If you are on a official mission or high-profile business some caution should be excersised.

All in all the people of Quetta are friendly but don't question their religion, culture and tradition. The Pashtuns pride themselves on their tradition of hospitality (milmastia in Pashto) to guests. Just a greeting of Salaam Alaykum will get you far in endearing yourself to people.

Cope

FM100 Pakistan is the state-run radio channel with local news and other information. FM105 is a ew private radio channel which in a short time have captured the young audience of Quetta valley due to its modern and open approach to songs and current affairs.

All regional languages are represented at local TV-stations including Pashto, Brahui, Baluchi, Punjabi, Persian, drama and current/youth affairs are the main trends.

Get out

Urak Valley

Driving through wild roses and fruit orchards, you may reach the Urak Valley at a distance of 21 km. The abundance of delicious fruits makes it a real fruit land or SAMARISTAN.

Pishin valley

Filled with numerous fruit orchards, the Pishin Valley is 50 km away from Quetta. These orchards are irrigated by ‘karez’. There is yet another attraction of cool waters, i.e. man-made lake with Bund Khushdil Khan (Tareenan). A wide range of ducks provides enticing beauty during winters. The area of Bund Khushdil Khan is located near Torashah, Malik Yar, Batezai villages and Land of these villages.In Bund Khushdil Khan many of Shooters come for the shooting Ducks. A great Duck Shooters (Shikari) of these villages play a shoot every day. The best duck shooters are Malak Mohammad Ali, Asad Khan Tareen, Qurban Ali, Asmatullah Tareen, Inayat ullah Tareen, Sana Mamo, Bore Mohammad Saab, Jaan etc.

Ziarat

A visit to Quetta will however, be incomplete without a trip to Ziarat (133 km from Quetta, 3 hours by car), a hill town 8000 feet above sea-level Air-conditioned coach and taxis take anything between an hour or two from Quetta an ideal and relaxing summer retreat with rows of juniper trees and ever green slopes.

The word Ziarat means holy place to be visited and the valley is known by that name because of a shrine of a holy saint, Tahir Baba Kharwari. There are other graves as well. However, the world knows it more because of the oldest and tallest juniper jungle, which needs to be looked after properly for future survival.

Extremely delicious species of apple, black cherry and almond trees are abundant in Ziarat, covering about 4416 acres in the lap of mountains.

While Ziarat abounds in tall chinar trees and juniper grows wild as does walnut and a variety of other trees, the area west of this hill station leading up to the Afghan border is rocky and barren. The drive through this unfriendly terrain provides one the grim reminder of the fierce tribes who roamed free in the region and kept the British weary and fearful. The border village of Chaman is also a major trading centre for a variety of fruit, a large quantity of which is still brought in from Afghanistan.

Khojak Pass

This Pass will lead you directly to the Chaman Border of Afghanistan, 153 km from Quetta. The scenic beauty is simply enthralling. The border journey is to be materialized through Khojak Sheela, a 4 km long tunnel, at an elevation of more than 1945 meters above sea level.

Bolan Pass

If you have a passion for smelling history through places, you must visit the Bolan Pass, where several armies from Central Asia and north intruded into the lands of un-divided India through centuries. The picturesque hilly road welcomes you with cool breeze, although you may be likely to run into Al-Qaeda.

Lak Pass

While cruising through the hilly tract between Quetta and Kalat, you would come to see the route to Zahidan, Iran. Koh-e-Taftan and Saindak copper mines are en-route.

Harnai Pass

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Harnai Pass

The entire population of Kharwari Baba and for that matter of the entire Ziarat, migrates to Harnai in extreme winter. Harnai Pass, about hours drive from Loralai, is just as spectacular as the Khyber Pass near Peshawar.

Mehergarh- the newest discovery of ancient civilization

During recent decades, a lot has been done to explore the culture and civilization of ancient people. The most distinguishing one is Mehergarh, which experts say remained the centre of high development some 9,900 years ago. Researchers claim that this was a civilized society of 7000 B.C that is even older than Moenjodaro and Harappa.